September 5, 2018

Flying is not often a traveller’s favourite part of their vacation, although it plays a vital role in getting you to paradise and back.

Staying healthy onboard an aircraft is of utmost importance to most people, as everyone wants to arrive at their destination in a healthy physical and mental state. Airplanes are known for spreading germs and often that fact alone has people nervous to step onboard.

Fear not! There are a few simple steps that you can take pre-flight and in-flight to protect your health.

Pre-Flight

Hydrate! We cannot say it enough. Water is the #1 thing that is going to keep your body and your mind fresh and healthy pre-flight, in-flight and post-flight. For three days leading up to your scheduled departure, drink a lot of water. A good goal to shoot for would be a glass an hour. In combination with staying hydrated pre-flight, you are going to want to avoid things that may dehydrate you. These include caffeine, alcohol, salty food and sugary drinks.

Eat light. For a few days leading up to your flight, eat a diet that is rich in fibre, leafy greens and probiotics. This will help to keep your gut healthy, which is 70% of your immune system. Pre-flight it is essential to ensure that the bacteria in your gut is working for you and not against you.

Pack like a pro. Packing a useful carry-on bag is key in staying healthy and comfortable onboard. Important things to remember are hand wipes, hand sanitizer, blanket/scarf, neck pillow, earplugs, socks, empty water bottle, moisturizer, healthy snacks, necessary medications, nasal spray and ginger tablets. The more you can manageably bring on your own, the less you have to borrow, saving you the risk of coming into contact with germs, as well as saving money on the hefty purchase fees in-flight.

In-Flight

Hydrate! Again, water is critical. Aim to drink at least one glass an hour during flight. Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine and sugar onboard as it will dehydrate you quickly.

Set up your area for success. Once on the plane, use your wipes to disinfect your seating area. This includes the seatbelt buckle, food tray, armrest, etc. Once that is complete, try to wash your hands as often as possible and avoid germ spreading tendencies like rubbing your eyes or touching your face. Lastly, get comfortable in your area by using the items that you have brought in your carry on. Stay warm with socks and blankets, and keep eating healthy with light snacks throughout the flight.

Keep your blood flowing. It is very important in-flight to move to prevent blood clots and cramps. Many people are hesitant to get up to stretch due to the confined space. However, there are a few exercises that you can do right at your seat or at the back of the aircraft. Yoga International has a great list of stretches that you can do on your next flight. Find them here: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/a-yoga-sequence-for-your-next-flight.

Relax. Sit back, take some deep breaths and relax onboard. The nervous system plays a big role in the immune system. If we are ‘on edge’ our immune system will be compromised. Experiencing some degree of flying anxiety is common. In such cases, there are multiple ways to combat anxiety including mindful breathing, distraction (reading or watching a movie), knowing the facts about air travel, positive affirmation, meditation and visualization.

Experience your best flight

In addition to all of the tips and tricks above, our travel specialists are able to assist you with any questions you may have.

Aircrafts come in all shapes and sizes. If you are concerned about an upcoming flight, talk about your options with one of our travel specialists. They are trained in flight travel and will help you to choose the best aircraft, seat, and travel route for your needs.

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We help international experience seekers plan trips that create lasting memories. Our travel specialists serve clients across Canada from our office locations and other cities across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.